Hot Topics:

Rocky Mntn Gamer: Is the next-gen system worth caring about?

Marc Camron, Rocky Mountain Gamer

Posted:
09/23/2012 06:47:55 PM MDT

Updated:
09/23/2012 06:50:44 PM MDT

Those of us who have played video games for ... well ... most of our lives, eagerly anticipate new generations of game systems. More power, better graphics, bells, whistles and maybe a pony -- everything a gamer could want.

But as time has passed, the leaps in quality have become less noticeable. It's not like moving from the blocky graphics of yore to the smooth ones of today. Few would argue today's characters in games like "Halo 4" or "Assassin's Creed III" look ugly or move poorly.

Instead, improvements come on a different level. Online services allow us to connect and play with our friends, no matter where they are. Peripherals such as the Wii remote, PlayStation Move or Xbox Kinect track our motions and let us interact with games in new and innovative ways.

Unlike the original Wii, the Wii U supports full HD resolution, just as the current PS3 and Xbox 360 systems do. However, Wii U is fully backward-compatible with original Wii games and controllers, so you won't need both systems. (Nintendo)
(
Picasa
)

Keep this in mind as Nintendo releases its latest system, the Wii U, on Nov. 18.

The system will be available in two bundles: a white system with 8GB of memory for $300; and a black system with 32GB of memory, a controller dock, system stand and the game "Nintendo Land" for $350 (unquestionably the better deal).

Unlike the original Wii, the Wii U supports full HD resolution, just as the current PS3 and Xbox 360 systems do. However, Wii U is fully backward-compatible with original Wii games and controllers, so you won't need both systems.

You can even transfer all of your Virtual Console and WiiWare purchases to the new console.

So why bother to upgrade?

Nintendo hopes you will be drawn in by the Wii U's special tablet-like controller. The "GamePad" has a 6.2-inch touchscreen surrounded by the usual buttons, sticks and triggers.

It also includes motion sensors, cameras, a microphone and a speaker; the company included everything except an ejector button to force you off the couch.

The company touts the tablet's screen as revolutionary. Designers can program gameplay separate from the TV, letting players display maps, inventories or playbooks. It can be used as a second screen in two-player mode, instead of both sharing the split-screen TV as in days gone by.

Another advantage of the GamePad is that when someone, like your wife, wants to watch football on your 60-inch flatscreen, most games will allow you to play solely on the GamePad's screen. Add some headphones, and no one will know you're in your own little world.

Add in streaming movies, television shows and web browsing, and you have a powerful new toy.

But here's the rub -- do we really care?

To be sure, the Wii U's GamePad has potential, but early games don't capture much of it.

We can already stream media and surf the 'net on our laptops and iPads, so unless there is a trick that Nintendo hasn't revealed, the GamePad is merely another way to do something many of us do already.

Unsurprisingly, both Sony and Microsoft have answers to the GamePad in place with the PS Vita and SmartGlass, respectively.

Additionally, the general consensus -- from those who understand computer chips and processing speeds better than I -- is that the Wii U is only about as powerful as the PS3 and Xbox 360, so there's no great leap in quality.

So why should you order a Wii U this holiday season?

For the first time in 20 years, I don't have a definitive answer.

The games shown so far are underwhelming, particularly those due this year. "New Super Mario U" and "Pikmin 3" look fun, if you're a fan. There are others, but few have announced release dates. Plus, most third-party games are also available on other systems.

Thus, my recommendation for the Wii U is a solid "wait and see." I'm not ready to give up on the system, but I'm certainly not convinced it's worth buying.

Next year there will be new PlayStation and Xbox systems. Perhaps it would be better to wait and see which one fits you best.

MacIntyre feels Colorado is capable of making run at bowl gameCU BUFFS FALL CAMPWhen: 29 practices beginning Wednesday morning 8:30-11 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday practices are open to the media and public next week. Full Story

MacIntyre feels Colorado is capable of making run at bowl gameCU BUFFS FALL CAMPWhen: 29 practices beginning Wednesday morning 8:30-11 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday practices are open to the media and public next week. Full Story

It didn't take long for Denver music observers to notice Plume Varia. Husband and wife Shon and Cherie Cobbs formed the band only two years ago, but after about a year they started finding themselves on best-of lists and playing the scene's top venues. Full Story